Southern Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora · Evergreen broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Magnoliaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree, Ornamental, Flowering, Evergreen
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species (Magnolia grandiflora), though popular cultivars include 'Little Gem' and 'Bracken's Brown Beauty'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 6 through 9
About This Tree
A magnificent large evergreen tree with a dense, pyramidal to rounded crown, featuring large glossy dark green leaves, massive fragrant white blossoms, and prominent brown seed cones
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate, elliptic to oblong, 5 to 8 inches long, leathery and thick with a glossy dark green upper surface and often a rusty-brown pubescent underside; smooth or slightly wavy margins
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown bark that is smooth on young branches, becoming finely furrowed, scaly, and plate-like as the tree matures
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to the southeastern United States, from coastal North Carolina down to Florida and west to East Texas
Growing Season
Evergreen with year-round foliage; produces large, fragrant white flowers from late spring through summer, followed by conelike fruit clusters maturing in autumn
Sunlight & Water Needs
Thrives in full sun to partial shade; requires moderate, regular watering during establishment and prefers evenly moist, well-draining soils with moderate drought tolerance once established
Mature Size
Typically reaches 60 to 80 feet tall with a spread of 30 to 50 feet, growing at a slow to moderate rate with a long lifespan exceeding 100 years
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its massive fragrant flowers, dense year-round evergreen foliage, resistance to urban pollution, and wind tolerance, though surface roots can pose a challenge
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides important cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals; flowers attract beetles and pollinators, while the large seeds are consumed by various birds and squirrels